The end-of-year fireworks display was Ashwick Academy tradition—a spectacular show launched from the academy grounds that marked the conclusion of the academic year and celebrated graduating seniors. After everything that had happened, the administration was desperately trying to end the year on a positive note, pretending the past months of scandal and family warfare had been normal elite school drama rather than systematic destruction of privacy and institutional authority.
I stood on the East Wing balcony with Roni, both of us wrapped in blankets against the cool evening air, watching technicians set up the fireworks display across the massive lawn.
"Last fireworks show of the year," Roni said, sounding wistful despite everything. "Next year, half the people who've been part of this c
